In response to the focus on the use of food supplements, specifically Creatine, the National Federation of State High School Associations has issued a position statement on the use of drugs, medicine and food supplements in interscholastic sports. Text of the committee’s statement is as follows:
“School personnel and coaches should not dispense any drug, medication or food supplement except with extreme caution and in accordance with policies developed in consultation with parents, health-care professionals and senior administrative personnel of the school district.
Use of any drug, medication or food supplement in a way not prescribed by the manufacturer should not be authorized or encouraged by school personnel and coaches. Even natural substances in unnatural amounts may have short-term or long-term negative health effects.
In order to minimize health and safety risks of student-athletes, maintain ethical standards and reduce liability risks, school personnel and coaches should never supply, recommend or permit the use of any drug, medication or food supplement solely for performance enhancing purposes.”
